Samfara has completed the acquisition of Chr. Olesen Synthesis from Chr. Olesen and funds managed by Signet Healthcare Partners, marking the European life sciences investment firm’s first investment.
Chr. Olesen Synthesis Chief Executive Thomas Moestrup is investing alongside Samfara.
Based near Copenhagen, Chr. Olesen Synthesis develops and manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced intermediates, with a specialization in controlled substances.
Its products include active ingredients used in treatments for opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine, and ADHD treatments including lisdexamfetamine.
The company’s cGMP-certified manufacturing facility has been in commercial production since 2015 and supplies pharmaceutical customers across Europe, North America and the Middle East.
With Samfara’s backing, Chr. Olesen Synthesis plans to expand its capabilities, grow existing customer relationships and products and enter new markets through organic development and acquisitions.
Jean-François Hilaire, former CEO of Unither and former executive vice president at Recipharm, advised Samfara on the acquisition and will become Chair of Chr. Olesen Synthesis.
Samfara’s acquisition was backed by a syndicate of European and North American institutional investors and family offices.
KEY QUOTES:
“Chr. Olesen Synthesis illustrates our strategy of finding winning companies in complex niches and backing them with capital and strategic support. It holds a strong position and an excellent reputation in a demanding part of the pharmaceutical market, and we look forward to working with Thomas and the team as they grow with existing customers and expand into new markets, both organically and through acquisitions.”
Helena Malchione and James Cocker, Partners at Samfara
“This is an exciting next step for Chr. Olesen Synthesis. With Samfara as our new owner, we have a partner who shares our ambitions and will support the continued development of the business. We look forward to building on our strong customer relationships, expanding the business and developing the opportunities ahead of us.”
Thomas Moestrup, Chief Executive of Chr. Olesen Synthesis
“In 2011, Chr. Olesen acquired Chr. Olesen Synthesis and, together with Signet Healthcare, has built it into a significant player in controlled-substance APIs. The time is right for new owners to take the business forward, and we are confident that we have entrusted the company to the right new owner. We extend our best wishes to Samfara and the management team of the company.”
Mads C. Olesen, Chief Executive and Owner of Chr. Olesen
